Evacuation go-bag checklist for one adult

What to get

• Comfortable backpack with hip or sternum strap

  1 bag rated for at least 25 lb

• Sealed drinking water

  Initial carried amount. Increase or replenish it to the adult's calculated 24-hour drinking need for heat, exertion, and travel time; rotate by the printed date.

  2 x 1 L bottles

• Collapsible water container

  Carry empty only if a planned route reaches a fill point; fill from a source authorities identify as safe or treat it correctly.

  1 x 2 L container

• Water-treatment filter or tablets

  Carry only if a planned route includes a source the product is rated to treat; follow product limits and local health guidance.

  1 product providing 4 L

• Ready-to-eat meal

  For up to 24 hours of initial travel; choose familiar shelf-stable food that needs no heating and meets the adult's dietary needs.

  2 meals of 500 to 700 calories each

• High-energy snack bars

  For up to 24 hours of initial travel.

  2 bars of at least 180 calories each

• Prescription medication

  Add one reserve day only when the prescriber and refill rules permit it; keep doses in original labeled containers and follow the medication plan for refrigeration or powered equipment.

  All scheduled doses for 3 calendar days

• Current medication and allergy list

  1 waterproof printed copy

• Compact first-aid kit

  1 kit with at least 10 adhesive bandages, 4 gauze pads, 1 roll of medical tape, and 2 glove pairs

• LED headlamp

  1 tested headlamp

• Spare headlamp batteries

  1 complete battery change

• Charged phone power bank

  1 unit rated at least 10,000 mAh

• Phone charging cable

  1 cable matching the phone

• Battery or hand-crank radio

  1 tested compact radio

• Local paper map

  1 map with 2 evacuation routes marked

• Household communication card

  List two out-of-area contacts, the household meeting point, school or care contacts, and local emergency numbers.

  1 laminated card

• Household identification and insurance copies

  Carry only if this is the designated household document bag; do not place the only originals in the bag.

  1 protected set

• Cash

  $60 in bills no larger than $20

• Weather shell

  1 packable jacket matched to the season

• Warm mid-layer

  1 garment matched to the season

• Long-sleeved shirt

  1 worn before departure

• Long pants

  1 pair worn before departure

• Sturdy walking shoes

  1 pair worn before departure

• Change of underwear and socks

  2 pairs of each

• Work gloves

  1 fitted pair

• Whistle

  1

• N95 respirators

  Include only when local hazard guidance recommends them and the adult can wear them safely; they do not protect against gases or low oxygen.

  2 fitted respirators

• Emergency blanket

  1

• Travel toothbrush

  1

• Travel toothpaste

  1 x 1 oz tube

• Hand-sanitizer

  1 x 3 fl oz bottle

• Waste bags

  4 x 4 gal bags

• Bag weight and date label

  1 label showing packed weight and review date

How to make it

1. Check local emergency-management guidance for the hazards, evacuation zones, routes, shelters, and alerts that apply to the home.
2. Before an incident, identify likely destinations and two routes. When evacuation is ordered, verify the currently open destination and follow authority instructions without delaying departure.
3. Leave wearing one long-sleeved shirt, one pair of long pants, and sturdy walking shoes. Choose additional weather protection for the local season and hazards; add specialized equipment only when local guidance calls for it and the adult can use it safely.
4. Pack 2 liters of sealed water as the initial carried amount. Increase or replenish it to the adult's calculated 24-hour drinking need for heat, exertion, and travel time. Carry the empty collapsible container only if a planned route reaches a fill point; carry treatment only when it is rated for the hazards of that source.
5. Keep medication in original labeled containers and follow prescriber, pharmacy, temperature-control, and refill rules. Arrange backup power or transport for medical equipment with the care team and local emergency services.
6. Pack one household document set only in the designated adult bag; other household members should carry their own contact card. Store sensitive copies in a sealed waterproof pouch or encrypted offline drive.
7. Weigh the finished bag and keep it at 20 lb or less. Confirm the adult can carry it over the planned walking routes; shorten the walking route or arrange transport if the load is not safe for that person.
8. Review the bag every six months and when routes, medications, household contacts, season, or local guidance changes.

For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.